Gut microbiota-mediated polyphenol metabolism is restrained by parasitic whipworm infection and associated with altered immune function in mice.
Gut Microbes
; 16(1): 2370917, 2024.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38944838
ABSTRACT
Polyphenols are phytochemicals commonly found in plant-based diets which have demonstrated immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the interplay between polyphenols and pathogens at mucosal barrier surfaces has not yet been elucidated in detail. Here, we show that proanthocyanidin (PAC) polyphenols interact with gut parasites to influence immune function and gut microbial-derived metabolites in mice. PAC intake inhibited mastocytosis during infection with the small intestinal roundworm Heligmosomoides polygyrus, and altered the host tissue transcriptome at the site of infection with the large intestinal whipworm Trichuris muris, with a notable enhancement of type-1 inflammatory and interferon-driven gene pathways. In the absence of infection, PAC intake promoted the expansion of Turicibacter within the gut microbiota, increased fecal short chain fatty acids, and enriched phenolic metabolites such as phenyl-γ-valerolactones in the cecum. However, these putatively beneficial effects were reduced in PAC-fed mice infected with T. muris, suggesting concomitant parasite infection can attenuate gut microbial-mediated PAC catabolism. Collectively, our results suggest an inter-relationship between a phytonutrient and infection, whereby PAC may augment parasite-induced inflammation (most prominently with the cecum dwelling T. muris), and infection may abrogate the beneficial effects of health-promoting phytochemicals.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Trichuriasis
/
Trichuris
/
Nematospiroides dubius
/
Proanthocyanidins
/
Polyphenols
/
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Gut Microbes
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Denmark